Hunky Hugh tops Aussie barbie survey

Troubled Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull has emerged as an unwanted guest at an Aussie barbecue.

A survey for gardening company Yates found Mr Turnbull was one of least popular would-be guests at a barbie, polling just one per cent of the vote of 420 respondents.

But none of the respondents were clamouring to get Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in their garden for a feed either.

He secured just eight per cent of the vote, although he did beat Dame Edna and Kylie Minogue (both on six per cent) and Ashes losing captain Ricky Ponting (four per cent).

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Unsurprisingly, the favoured guest was Hugh Jackman with 20 per cent of the poll, tying for first place with comedy duo Hamish and Andy.

The economic downturn has entrenched barbecues as the most favoured form of socialising with family and friends - but apparently not Liberal leaders - gaining 51 per cent of the vote.

"The traditional barbecue in the backyard is not surprisingly the most popular choice for Australians to spend quality time with family and friends," Yates communications manager Judy Horton said. "A combination of a relaxed setting and the increase in people getting back to basics in the backyard has kept the barbecue as one of Australia's most recognisable cultural icons."

Firing-up the barbie and grabbing a few cold beers far outstripped an indoor dinner party (15 per cent), a meal at a restaurant (14 per cent) or going to the local pub for a drink and a bite to eat (six per cent).

And despite a perceived growing cafe culture within larger capital cities, it scored only five per cent as a venue for a social gathering in the nationwide survey.